When you discover you have a cavity, it can be shocking, and if you're not sure what to do next, then it can be stressful. Some people are afraid of pain, drilling, or having to undergo expensive procedures. Still, modern dental treatment is usually much easier than many people think, and less painful or uncomfortable. Cavities are a common problem that dentists face daily, and, in most cases, they are a quick, safe, and effective treatment.
A cavity is an area of damage in a tooth due to decay. When it occurs, it is due to acid-forming bacteria in the mouth, which gradually erode enamel. If left untreated, the hole can deepen and cause the tooth to become painful, infected, or even lost.
If you understand how dentists treat cavities, you can overcome the fear of a dental visit and encourage yourself to seek treatment before the cavity gets too serious.
The first step is to be diagnosed with a cavity from a dental examination. A dentist in Queens uses special lights, tools, and sometimes dental X-rays to check for tooth decay.
They check for:
These are obvious signs of a cavity, and others may form in an area that is not accessible to the eye and can only be discovered with the aid of a cavity detector.
Many cavities are discovered before they cause pain -- that's why it's important to get regular dental check-ups.
Treatment will depend on the nature of the cavity and the level of the tooth damage. Fillings are typically used to treat small cavities, and more complex options might be necessary for larger cavities.
The dentist will inform the patient about the condition of the tooth and suggest the best treatment.
The dentist will normally numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic before treating it. This will reduce pain during the procedure.
Most people feel:
Many people believe that a cavity is uncomfortable to treat; however, with modern numbing techniques, this is not the case.
In some cases, the cavity is so small that anesthesia will not be required.
After numbing the tooth, the dentist will remove the decayed and damaged area.
This can be achieved by employing:
The aim is to remove the bacteria and damaged tooth material, leaving the healthy tissue.
This may result in some noises or vibrations, but it is not painful.
Once the decay is removed, the dentist thoroughly cleans the inside of the cavity. This step will eliminate germs and particles and prepare the tooth for restoration.
Professional tooth cleaning is necessary as bacteria can remain and continue to cause damage after treatment.
A dental filling is the most popular cavity treatment. The filling is used to replace the tooth's lost structure, strength, and function.
These are the commonly used materials for filling:
Tooth-coloured fillings are widely popular because they blend in perfectly with the teeth.
The dentist installs filling material into the cleaned area and carefully shapes it to fit your bite. The material can be hardened by using a special light.
When completed, the tooth will function normally.
If the decay is left untreated for a long time, it can penetrate into the inside of the tooth (the pulp). This location is where nerves and blood vessels are located.
If this occurs, the dentist might want to try the following:
A cap that goes over a damaged tooth when a filling is not sufficient to restore its strength is called a crown.
These tips are applicable in the following cases:
Once this reaches the nerve (which is normally inside the tooth), a root canal might be required. In the process, the destroyed tissue within the tooth is removed, cleaned, and sealed.
Root canals may seem scary, but they're done to help eliminate pain and save the tooth!
If the tooth is severely damaged and cannot be saved, tooth extraction is necessary.
Pain is one of the greatest concerns of patients when receiving cavity treatment. In fact, dental care today emphasizes patient comfort.
Most people experience:
It won't hurt much during the treatment, as the area is numbed beforehand.
There may be slight sensitivity in the first few days, particularly with hot or cold foods. This usually gets better in no time.
After getting a filling, dentists usually recommend:
Most people return to their normal activities right after the appointment.
If you develop a cavity, your dentist will remove the decayed area of the tooth and treat it with a procedure that depends on the level of the decay, such as a filling, a crown, or a root canal. The procedure is generally easy, painless, and performed to prevent the cavity from getting worse.
Early treatment of cavities is a key factor in preventing them from worsening. Maintaining your teeth by visiting the dentist regularly, brushing well, and treating conditions early can help keep your teeth healthy and prevent future dental problems.
YOUR FIRST STEP TOWARDS A BEAUTIFUL SMILE IS JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY!